Material: Medake (Simon Bamboo), Tou (Rattan)
Tuning: G (A=442Hz) Sol-fa Scale, 3bon choshi, DoReMi tuning, 7 Holes
Size: 52.5cm
Comes with Cotton case.
What is Shinobue?
Shinobue is a side blown bamboo flute from Japan. It is used at traditional festivals, Japanese Lion dance, Shrine Music, Folk music. It is the most popular Japanese Traditional Instrument.
There are many kinds of Shinobue, for example differing length, tuning, scales, number of finger holes and designs. Particular Shinobue are used in certain areas and situations.
About Rippei Shinobue
Rippei Mizuochi crafts professional Shinobues in Saitama, Japan. This Rippei Shinobue is tuned in A=442Hz with an equal temperament and adjusted octave (20 degree C. after playing to make the inside of the tube to warm). This is tuned to the sol-fa scale that is suitable in an ensemble with instruments such as piano or guitar. Rippei's Shinobues produce rich overtones which is a result of making the inside of the tube uneven taking into consideration the natural shape of each individual piece of bamboo.
Maintenance
When Shinobue gets dirty, wipe off the dirt with a wet cloth and then dry it with a dry cloth. Do not use detergent etc.
The inside of the Utakuchi (Embouchure hole) has been filled with beeswax and pine resin, so please do not leave it in a place of high temperature such as in a car during the hot summer months.
Repair
If you should have trouble with your Shinobue, please let us know! We will provide support to ensure your Shinobue is repaired. Free repair within 30days, one-way postage applies. Tou-maki (Rattan roll) will be applied for the crack repairs. Free repair will not be applied to the damages caused by dropping.
Q & A
Q: What is the difference between Uta tuning and Hayashi tuning?
A: Uta is tuned in sol-fa scale, so it's easy to play in an ensemble with Western instruments such as the piano or the guitar. Hayashi is tuned in Japanese classical scale, which is for playing traditional festival music.
Q: What is Fuki-Urushi finish?
A: "Urushi" is Japanese Lacquer. Fuki-Urushi is one of the traditional techniques to apply Urushi. Rippei Shinobue uses unrefined Urushi just tapped from the tree, which is called Kiurushi (Raw Lacquer). He Puts it on a silk cloth or washi (Japanese Paper) and rubs it into flute repeatedly. By doing so, the flute has a natural feeling and increases sturdiness. The production of Urushi in Japan has become scarce, so it's very expensive these days. Rippei uses Kiurushi from Joboji-cho, Iwate prefecture.
